A. Property Secured And Maintained: All undeveloped, fallow or vacant real property in the city shall be secured and maintained at a level not less than the following standards during the time period that such property remains vacant:
1. All structures, equipment, walls, and fencing on the property shall be maintained free of graffiti.
2. All landscaped, concrete, dirt or paved open areas on the real property and adjoining public parkway shall be kept clear of rubbish, litter, and weeds.
3. Unless required to protect public health and safety, the installation of temporary fencing is not mandated. No temporary fence shall be installed without obtaining a city permit through the community development department, which shall review the fence location and proposed material(s). Chainlink fencing shall only be used in conjunction with an opaque screening material.
4. The responsible person or entity shall maintain the fence in good repair and condition. If the fence is not maintained properly, the enforcement officer may order its removal and replacement. The fence may be properly posted with "no trespassing" signs, and the fence shall be kept clear of all other signs, except lawfully installed signs.
B. Boarded Up Structures:
1. The city recognizes that from time to time it may be necessary to secure vacant property and structures because of abandonment, disrepair, public hazard or natural disaster. Unsecured vacant property and structures can lead to vandalism problems, occupancy safety problems and appearance problems. The city hereby creates the following standards for securing vacant structures:
a. Vacant Structures Secured: Vacant structures may be secured via boarding up windows, doors, or other openings when deemed necessary by or otherwise approved by the fire chief, enforcement officer, building official, or in order to maintain the safety of persons or property. All boards visible from the structure's exterior shall be painted to reasonably match the structure's exterior.
b. Enforcement Officer Review: Any means of securing property including crime prevention devices shall be subject to review by the enforcement officer for safety. Safety bars, grating, or other similar apparatus shall be designed and installed pursuant to the California building code.
c. Repairs: The owner or occupant of an occupied structure shall promptly repair any broken door or window so that a temporary boarded up condition is limited. Any such repair, other than in the case of a natural disaster, shall be made within ten (10) days, unless the necessary repairs cannot be performed within ten (10) days, in which case the repairs shall be diligently pursued until completion at the earliest reasonable time.
d. Security Lighting: All structures which could be used for human habitation shall have an operable and effective exterior security lighting system. The front and rear yards shall each be illuminated with a minimum of one light. The lighting shall be capable of illuminating the structure's exterior so as to be visible from the street or alley from dusk to dawn, but the lights shall be shielded to avoid lighting adjacent properties. (Ord. 2016-003, 8-23-2016)